RIP, Legendary Footballer Doris Fitschen: four-time European Champion Dies at 56
DFB is grieving over the demise of four-time European champion Doris Fitschen
Give it up for Doris Fitschen, one of Germany's most accomplished female footballers. Her battles with cancer came to an end at 56, leaving the DFB bereft.
The German Football Association (DFB) is devastated by Doris Fitschen's passing. She battled cancer relentlessly and finally succumbed at the age of 56 as announced by the DFB.
"Lost for words and deeply sorrowful by Doris' demise. Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and close friends," said DFB President Bernd Neuendorf. Fitschen played a whopping 144 international matches from 1986 to 2001, snagging four European Championship titles and a 2000 Olympic Games bronze medal in Sydney.
She notched up three German championship wins with TSV Siegen and 1. FFC Frankfurt, and three DFB Cups too. Between 2009 and 2016, Fitschen headed the women's national team, bagging two European Championships and the coveted 2016 Olympic gold medal. Recently, she worked as the overall coordinator for the DFB's "Women in Football FF27" strategy.
"A rare gem, lost! Despite knowing her illness, she had a glass-half-full attitude. She viewed things more positively than negatively, serving as an inspiration for many, not just on the field but off it too," said DFB General Secretary Heike Ullrich.
Neuendorf echoed, "She was a spirit, a strategist, a force to be reckoned with. She was inspiring to all. As a player, I saw her the same way during her impressive second career at the DFB. She paved the way, took everyone along, passionately and empathetically championing the cause of women's football."
Key Moments in Doris Fitschen's Career:
- 1986-2001: Represented Germany in 144 matches, debuting at 16 years old and retiring at 35.
- 1989: Won her first European Championship title at 21, earning the Golden Player award.
- Club Football: Secured four German championships and four DFB Pokal titles.
- 2009-2016: Coached the German women's national team, winning two European Championship titles and an Olympic gold medal.
- Leadership Roles: Advocated for women's football until her passing as a DFB coordinator.
Accolades:
- International: Five European Championships and an Olympic gold medal.
- Club: Seven German Championships and six DFB Pokal titles.
- Individual: Golden Player of the 1989 European Championships
Legacy:
Doris Fitschen's footprints in German football are indelible. As a player, coach, and leader, she redefined the sport in Germany. Her accomplishments and leadership have inspired countless footballers. Her legacy lives on, inspiring those in the sport to uphold her work and spirit.
News Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid
- The DFB, alongside the community and employment policy, is mourning the loss of Doris Fitschen, a four-time European Champion and a former member of the DFB's employment policy.
- Doris Fitschen, the legendary footballer who racked up an impressive Olympic bronze medal in Sydney during her career, added a coveted Olympic gold medal to her accolades as the DFB's leader from 2009 to 2016.
- The DFB has announced that Doris Fitschen, the respected women's football advocate, held the overall coordinator role for their "Women in Football FF27" strategy at the time of her unfortunate demise.
